Former leading New Zealand publisher and bookseller, and widely experienced judge of both the Commonwealth Writers Prize and the Montana New Zealand Book Awards, talks about what he is currently reading, what impresses him and what doesn't, along with chat about the international English language book scene, and links to sites of interest to booklovers.

Friday, January 25, 2013

The best music books of the year?

Nominees have been announced for the best book category at this year's NME’s Awards ceremony, with the Rolling Stones, Mike Skinner and Tim Burgess' books on the list.The awards ceremony will take place on the 27th February, visit http://www.nme.com/awardsvote to cast your vote.In the running:David Byrne – How Music WorksThe Talklng Heads songwriter gives an account of a life in music and explains, as the title reveals, how music works. He explores the possibilities of new technology and gives personal accounts of devising and performing some of his most famous songs.Neil Young – Waging Heavy PeaceWaging Heavy Peace is the memoir of one of rock's most iconic figures. Young’s memoir takes us through the rocker's long career, including his times with Crosby, Stills and Nash and Crazy Horse.Mike Skinner – The Story of The StreetsIn Skinner’s The Story of The Streets the UK rapper writes of the art of song-writing, musical inspirations, rivals and the hard road to success. Tim Burgess – Telling StoriesA clear and honest account of the Charlatans' lead singer's life. It reveals his gritty past involving drugs, armed robbery and near death experiences.The Rolling Stones 50After 50 whirlwind years in the music business, the Rolling Stones write about what it was like starting out playing the blues in clubs to filling out some of the world's largest stadiums.Peter Hook – Unknown PleasuresPeter Hook gives us the inside story of life with Joy Division. In the book Hook reflects on the band’s friendships, and lead singer Ian Curtis' epilepsy and eventual suicide.